7 Ways to Spend Your October Bank Holiday Weekend in Dublin

The October bank holiday weekend is upon us, and that means one thing: There will be so. many. activities. to. do. How, exactly, does one plan around such a notoriously jam-packed weekend?!

That’s where we come in. We’ve narrowed it down to 7 things you can do to make the most of the three-day weekend, from today-only events to year-long staples. But don’t worry--we won’t judge if you choose to spend your time on a three-day Netflix bender instead. (The Haunting of Hill House is a perfectly binge-worthy October watch, after all.)

This one goes out to all the flannel-wearing, Friends-watching Dubliners with a penchant for grunge music. ‘90s-themed nightclub Pop City is throwing a--you guessed it--’90s-themed Halloween party all weekend in its Temple Bar location under FItzsimons. The event is free and cash prizes go to the best ‘90s-themed costume, so there’s a chance you just might end up leaving with more money in your pocket. Just make sure you register ahead of time here. https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/fitzsimons-halloween-party-2018-tickets-50491442263

You don’t need to be a bona fide foodie to enjoy this city centre market. Held every Saturday from 10 AM - 4:30 PM, the legendary spot is guaranteed to impress with its seasonal produce and delicious food. And let’s be real: You’ve always thought about going, so why not use your extra day of weekend to make it happen?

As if Robert Plant and Van Morrison weren’t enough to make your heart skip a beat, the 3Arena festival also includes other iconic acts, like John Fogerty, Steve Miller, Alison Krauss, and the Counting Crows. Tickets are still available here. https://www.ticketmaster.ie/BluesFest-tickets/artist/821434

4. Bull Island: Any day

There’s something meditative about standing by the sea, even if only for a moment. Do your brain a solid and use the extra weekend hours to bundle up, unplug from work, and recharge along the dunes on Bull Island. Just be sure to get your seaside escape in before Monday ... because we all know it rains on the bank holiday.

3. Creature Features in the Botanic Gardens: Friday, 26 October - Sunday, 28 October

As a part of the Bram Stoker Festival, The National Botanic Gardens is screening three classic horror films using the glasshouses as the backdrop: Arachnophobia, Little Shop of Horrors, and Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Pick your poison and grab your tickets here. https://bramstokerfestival.ticketsolve.com/shows (If a broader film selection is what you’re after, check out the IFI Horrorthon and its multi-film and day passes here.) https://ifi.ie/horrorthon

2. Metropolis Festival: Saturday, 27 October - Sunday, 28 October

Consider this redemption for those of you who missed Conor O’Brien’s free performance during RTE’s Culture Night last month--Villagers will headline Saturday night at the RDS, and he’s in good company with acts like Mac DeMarco and Roisin Murphy also headlining the Metropolis Festival. Peep the full lineup, schedule, and ticket options here. https://www.metropolisfestival.ie/

Billed as “four days of deadly adventures,” this annual Dublin festival offers both family-friendly events (looking at you, Stokerland and the stuff of nightmares (The Horrors in the Black Church, anyone?). Make sure you check out the festival’s free offerings, including the Macnas Parade on the northside--an absolute must!